Monday 19 April 2010

Children with ADHD and sleep.

Attention Defficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a common condition that begins in childhood and may persist into adulthood. Children with ADHD typically have trouble sitting still, staying focused, and/or controlling their behavior and emotions, which can lead to poor social skills, isolation, dependence, and poor performance in school.

ADHD is linked with a variety of sleep problems. For example, one recent study found that children with ADHD had higher rates of daytime sleepiness than children without ADHD. Another study found that 50% of children with ADHD had signs of sleep disordered breathing, compared to only 22% of children without ADHD. Research also suggests that restless legs syndrome and periodic leg movement syndrome are also common in children with ADHD.

In general, sleep deprivation is a problem among children. A 2004 "Sleep in America" poll, more than two-thirds of children experience one or more sleep problems at least a few nights a week. For children with ADHD, poor sleep (too little sleep or symptoms of sleep disorders) may profoundly impact ADHD symptoms. In fact, one study found that treating sleep problems may be enough to eliminate attention and hyperactivity issues for some children.


Children who experience sleep deficit may be moody, emotionally explosive, and/or aggressive as a result.In one study involving 2,463 children aged 6-15, children with sleep problems were more likely to be inattentive, hyperactive, impulsive, and display oppositional behaviours.

Treating sleep problems in children and adults with ADHD may improve symptoms and quality of life.
If you would like help to improve your child's sleep, Contact Dream-Angus.com